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Forty-four year old man disappeared Monday after boating with a friend. Christian Farr reports. (Published Tuesday, June 19, 2012)

Updated at 1:08 AM CDT on Wednesday, Jun 20, 2012

After more than a half-day of searching, divers said they recovered the body of a man who disappeared in Gages lake Monday night.

Richard Stoneking, 44, was reported missing near Grayslake after he and another man, Eric Oomens, jumped off a pontoon boat to swim in the private lake at around 9:40 p.m., police said.

"While they were in the water, their boat had drifted away," said Sgt. Karen Kates of the Lake County Sheriff's Office. "Both subject attempts to swim to shore. He made it, but his friend was never seen again."

Authorities searched unsuccessfully for around three hours in the dark Monday night.

They restarted the search Tuesday morning after making contact with Oomens. Divers, along with crews from neighboring areas, were brought in to assist the search. Crews also had to work against the heat of the day and debris in the lake.

"The heat. We have to keep switching people in and out," said George Manis, Deputy Chief of the Lake County Sheriff's Office. "The divers are having the same problem, and then weeds and other obstructions in the water would be causing the difficulties for the divers as well."

The Lake-McHenry County Specialized Response Team recovered the body at around 3:15 p.m., Kates said.

Authorities urged people to be careful as they venture out on the water.

"Having personal floatation devices on, making good decisions when you're out on the water, and really, if there's an issue, calling 911 immediately," Grays Lake Fire Protection District Chief John Christian said.